Pinios Gorge - �ANZAC Rearguard Action�� Setup Order

[Greece] Pinios Gorge - ANZAC Rearguard Action Setup order

Gonnoi 1 x2

2 x9

Pinios River Tempe 3 x1

4 x1 Parapotamos 2/2nd AUS Ampelakia

Evangelismos 5 x2 NZ 21st

No Entry 6 x7

Makrychori Elateia 7 x9

8 x28

9 x11

10 x7

Historical Background 11 x2 The Battle of Pinios Gorge, was a rearguard action fought by Australian and New Zealand troops during the German invasion of Greece on 18 April 1941. The battle was fought amidst the advance of German forces through central Greece, and saw a brigade-sized element dubbed "Anzac Force" fight a delaying action against elements of two German divisions, supported by Bren Gun Carriers. 12 x1 The attack began just after 7:00 am with an attack from Gonnos towards the 2/2nd Battalion. Later, around noon, German units led by Lieutenant-Colonel Hermann Balck attacked the NZ 21st Battalion. The New Zealand 21st Battalion could not hold against Balcks's units, and was nearly overrun, retreating into the hills. At this point, some German tanks crossed the Pinios River, which the 21st had been guarding. This left the 2/2nd as the only unit left on the field to continue the battle. A unit of Bren Gun Carriers attempted to 13 x1 push back German troops crossing the river, but failed, with the loss of some of the carriers. Mortars were initially out of range of the German troops, but were overloaded with charge to give them greater range. Despite desperate holding actions, by 5:30 pm, the battle had degenerated into chaos, and the 2/2nd disintegrated under the German attacks. 14 x19 The defending Anzacs suffered heavy casualties and were forced back from the gorge, but their stand allowed other Allied forces to withdraw through Larissa, and afterwards a new defensive position was established around Thermopylae. 15 x1 Tracks DO NOT resupply. They are used for combat only. Briefing Apply Late War Mortar rules to the equipped ANZAC unit [SWA Allied Player [Australia/New Zealand] 3]. Take 5 Command Cards The German player may build up to 2 Pontoon bridges [Terrain 16 x1 33]. They may only be built on the German Right and Center Axis Player [Germany] sections. A unit may not battle when it is crossing the Ford. Take 6 Command Cards Capture HQ rules are in effect [Actions 17]. The HQ is marked 17 x13 You Move First with a Battle Star Token. Blitz Rules are in effect [Actions 15]. The Air Power Card favors Conditions of Victory the German player. 11 Medals 18 x10 Exit Rules are in effect for the German Player. Special Rules 19 x1 British Commonwealth Command Rules are in effect [Nations 5]. 20 x1 Apply Half Track rules [Troops 18], Big Gun rules [Troops 3] and Heavy Anti-Tank Gun rules [Troops 23]. However, the Half